“Wild orchids and flowers everywhere. A fantastic climb. The morning proved to be difficult. The afternoon was exceptional. We even saw two ibexes!”
-Ramon and Bernat Bassols. Barcelona, Spain
Wildlife Encounters in the Pyrenees
The Pyrenees has many protected natural areas, enabling wildlife – ranging from brown bears to salamanders – to be abundant. Definitely keep an eye out for wild boar, chamois, ibex, mountain goat, roe deer, and mouflon. Amongst the birds most frequently spotted are: Egyptian vultures, griffon vultures, bearded vultures and golden eagles.
Salvelinus guests may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the elusive Pyrenean desman (pictured below) – a small semi aquatic mammal – that inhabits the higher mountain streams. It looks somewhat like a mouse that dives underwater, searching out nymphs with its long nose.
Hidden valley in the Pyrenees
Vultures found in the Pyrenees
